The arrival of the printing press in Cyprus brought significant changes to the island’s cultural and social structure. In an interview with researcher and writer Ahmet An, we gathered comprehensive information on the process and effects of this transformation.
Arrival of the Printing Press and Early Journalism Attempts
In response to the question of how the printing press first entered Cyprus, Ahmet An points to a history extending back to the late 19th century. During the late Ottoman Empire, the printing press reached Cyprus through Egypt and was initially used for the reproduction of handwritten works. The publication of the first newspapers began with the arrival of the British on the island. This period marked a critical threshold in the development of printing. With the first newspapers, the flow of information in the region accelerated, and the process of enlightenment in society gained momentum.
Transformations in Turkish Cypriot Printing
It is possible to define the beginning of printing mainly through newspapers. The first newspapers were published in issues using techniques that cannot be compared to those of today. However, this process gradually evolved into a more developed structure. Highlighting Cyprus’s historical and cultural context, An states that the printing houses contributed to society by also publishing books and magazines alongside newspapers.
Ahmet An emphasizes that the adoption of Latin letters was a turning point for the Turkish Cypriot community. During a time when reading Old Turkish was challenging, the development of the school system enabled publications released in Latin letters to facilitate the public’s access to information. Following the use of the Latin alphabet in Turkey, a similar transformation occurred in Cyprus. The publication of the first newspapers in Latin letters occurred around 1929-30.
Diversity of Print Houses and Publishing Activities
According to An, print houses not only published newspapers but also produced various types of publications. This included brochures, announcements, and books, contributing to economic sustainability. Publications aimed at educating the public, initiated by Dr. Hafız Cemal, are significant in this context. However, it is essential to note the unavailability of copies of the first newspaper, “Saadet,” which poses a loss for historical research.
Moreover, during that period, the owners of print houses were also newspaper writers. This situation had a direct impact on how the print houses were operated and their publishing policies. Over time, the fact that Greek print houses began printing Turkish newspapers led to greater visibility of social and political tensions.
Ahmet An’s book, “The History of Turkish Cypriot Printing,” aims to illuminate the role of the printing press in the cultural history of the island, addressing these processes in detail. This work not only sheds light on the past but also helps us understand the social dynamics behind the development of printing.
Source: www.yeniduzen.com
